Station Incentives

There are funding and financing opportunities for zero emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure at state and local levels in California. If you are aware of additional opportunities, contact the ZEV Unit.

If you are a state agency, GO-Biz created an additional Quick Reference Guide specifically for funding plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations at state-owned or leased properties.

State Funding Opportunities

California Energy Commission – Grant Funding Opportunities
Through the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, the California Energy Commission provides funding for ZEV infrastructure (both EV charging and hydrogen fueling stations). Up to $100 million is available per year for projects that will “transform California’s fuel and vehicle types to help attain the state’s climate change policies.” Visit the California EnergyCommission to subscribe to their email list to receive notifications regarding the release of contract notices and solicitations or view the Request for Proposals, Contracts, and Solicitations information.

Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program
The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is designed to encourage the use of cleaner low-carbon fuels in California, encourage the production of those fuels, and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This market-based system allows the generation and sale of LCFS credits. Electricity and hydrogen fuel sales have the potential to generate economically attractive revenues.

California Air Resources Board – Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project
The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, a partnership between the California Air Resources Board and CALSTART, provides incentives for the purchase of cleaner and more efficient trucks and buses in California. These vouchers are intended to reduce about half the incremental costs of purchasing hybrid and zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Vouchers range from $20,000 to $110,000, with additional funds available for fleets located in disadvantaged communities. Fleets are eligible to receive up to 200 vouchers.

California Air Resources Board – Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program
The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program funds cleaner-than-required engines and equipment. Eligible projects include cleaner on-road trucks, school and transit buses, off-road equipment, marine vessels, locomotives, agricultural equipment, light duty vehicle scrap, and lawn mowers. About $60 million in funding is available annually. Up to 85% of the cost to repower engines is eligible for funding, and up to 100 percent of the cost to purchase an ARB-verified retrofit device. Public and private entities may apply. These grants are administered through local air districts.

Pasadena Water and Power – Rebate for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Pasadena Water and Power offers a $3,000 rebate for the installation of a smart Level 2 (240V) charging station for commercial, workplace, multi-unit dwelling (MUD), and fleet customers for a limited time. A $1,500 rebate is also available for the installation for non-network charging stations for commercial customers.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District – Incentives for Hydrogen Fueling Stations
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District extends grants to incentivize the deployment of new hydrogen fueling stations that will support the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles in the Bay Area. Both public and non-public entities are eligible for funds. Proposed stations must be located within the Air District’s jurisdiction and must have received a passing score or approval for funding from a state or federal agency.

Southern California Edison – Charge Ready Program (Pilot)
Through its Charge Ready Program, Southern California Edison plans to install as many as 1,500 Level 1 or Level 2 EV chargers within its service territory between 2016 and 2021 where cars are parked for extended periods (for example, at workplaces, apartment and condo complexes, fleet vehicle parking lots, campuses and recreational areas). At least 150 chargers, or ten percent, need to be situated in disadvantaged communities. The California Public Utilities Commission has provided the company with $22 million in support of this endeavor.

San Diego Gas & Electric – Electric Vehicle Grid-Integration Pilot Project
Through its Electric Vehicle Grid-Integration Pilot Project, San Diego Gas & Electric plans to install ten EV chargers at 350 businesses and multi-family communities within its service territory between 2016 and 2021. At least 350 chargers, or ten percent, need to be situated in disadvantaged communities. The California Public Utilities Commission has provided the company with $45 million to install 3,500 EV chargers.

Related State Financing Opportunities

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank – Statewide Energy Efficiency Program
The California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs Center administers the Statewide Energy Efficiency Program, which finances state and local governments to pursue approved energy efficiency projects. The program targets clean energy projects such as generation, distribution, transmission and storage of electrical energy, energy conservation measures, environmental mitigation measures, and water treatment and distribution. The Statewide Energy Efficiency Program extends financing arrangements through a direct loan from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank and/or public market tax-exempt bonds.

California Energy Commission – Energy Efficiency Financing
Through its Energy Efficiency Financing Program, the California Energy Commission extends loans to institutions for projects that aspire to achieve energy savings. The associated interest rate (0-1%) depends on the type of institution requesting the loan. The maximum loan amount is $3 million per application.

California Energy Commission – Electric Program Investment Charge Program
Through its Electric Program Investment Charge Program, the California Energy Commission funds applied research and development, technology demonstration and deployment, and market facilitation to create new energy solutions, foster regional innovation, and bring clean energy ideas to the marketplace.

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The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) was created by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to serve as the State of California's leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz partnered with the State's Information Technology Leadership Academy 22 to create the California Business Portal.